NHTSA — Steering Problems

2007 Saturn Outlook (Page 2 of 3)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,973 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2007 Saturn Outlook steering problems

steering problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2007 Saturn Outlook:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2007 Saturn Outlook Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #34

Aug 142013

Outlook

  • 105,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When driving through a puddle, there was a loss of power steering and brakes. I had the interior liners replaced but the problem still occurs. The electrical problems have increased dramatically since the original date of the problem and at this point, I think this vehicle is extremely dangerous to drive. The driver information center is out, there are two windows that no longer open, the stabilitrak light comes on intermittently (this is new last week), there is another warning sound coming on when I make a sharp turn but I am not sure what this is for since the driver information center is out. Once I could not get the door to shut completely and I had to start the car, lock and unlock the doors and then the door would shut. The audio/navigation screen loses power and restarts every couple days during my drive. Note: I have also had the power steering replaced in March and replaced the replacement transmission about the same time.

- Stratham, NH, USA

problem #33

Sep 022013

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 73,000 miles
2007 Outlook has had consistent steering problems. It happens every day and it is like my power steering does not work anymore. I can not make double turns or park properly due to the steering.

- Arvada, CO, USA

problem #32

May 302011

Outlook

  • 36,000 miles
The first incident involving steering occurred when I hit a puddle in road. I lost all power steering and also had a whining in steering column. I've had multiple incidences since and now have little to no power steering. I've taken to the dealer for multiple issues including the steering issues. They have replaced the steering column and gear as well as moved the power steering cable. This provided a temporary fix however I have little to no steering now and am out of warranty. I have taken to multiple shops and am being told it could be pump or steering column again. The fixes are between $1400-2500 and may do one to find that the issue was the other. In researching online I am surprised there has not been a recall on these vehicles as well. There are a number of other GM products being recalled for same issue but not the Outlook. This occurs at low speeds and low rpms, this makes for dangerous city driving.

- Festus, MO, USA

problem #31

Nov 232012

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 51,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

It was raining (which is very common in my state). I slowed to make a right turn. Half way through my turn, my steering failed. I could not completely turn my wheel to make a safe/legal turn. Thankfully I turned onto a 4 lane road, as I ended up in the left lane. Had it been just a 2 lane road, I would have slammed into oncoming traffic! I was not driving recklessly, I safely slowed down as I approached my turn and during my turn, which is probably what saved my family's lives as well as other drivers on the road. Had I been going faster, I probably would not have been able to avoid an accident. I contacted my dealership, and to my surprise, this is a known issue with Saturn Outlooks. What was even more mind boggling was the fact that it is not currently a safety recall. They made me feel like it was not safe for me to even drive my vehicle anymore and my only option was to pay out of pocket to "upgrade wheel well liners." I have been researching this issue online, and some people have even stated that after upgrading their liners, they still encounter the same problem. I am worried for the safety of my family. Please look into this problem. I feel that GM/Saturn need to own up to this and rectify the problem. Thank you.

- Graham, WA, USA

problem #30

Sep 152010

Outlook

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact mentioned that when driving at low speeds she noticed a loud humming noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Bowie, MD, USA

problem #29

Mar 022011

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
If you drive this Saturn through a puddle after a rainstorm, the power failure light comes on, the power steering stops working and the car is very difficult to steer...this almost caused a crash in a residential street. The temp gauge also goes up higher than normal and the lights dim.

- Kitty Hawk, NC, USA

problem #28

Jul 182012

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 93,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 18 year old daughter was returning home when she noticed the steering became very hard to use. She made it home safely. I took the car out to see what was going on and when I backed up the driveway I couldn't turn the wheel without great effort. And it got worse, it just locked up. I was advised that it needed power steering fluid or a new power steering pump. I drove it to nearest mechanic, steering locked up on turns, had to pull over several times, and turn the car off. The mechanic is within 3 miles, nearest GM dealer is 40 minutes away. He replaced pump and fluid, cleaned it as recommended. He took it for a test drive and the steering failed again, almost causing an accident. He was very upset. I am contacting GM. This problem has been documented by other 2007 Saturn Outlook owners on this site. This is a very dangerous issue and I can't believe it has not been addressed. Does someone have to die before it is? I have an unsafe and un drivable vehicle.

- West Grove, PA, USA

problem #27

Jun 012012

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
While driving in a moderate rain storm today, 6.1.12, at 35 mph, the steering on my vehicle locked up and froze after driving through a puddle. This has occurred several times in the past few years, but I do not recall the exact dates so I will report today's date only. The steering wheel would eventually free and return to normal operation after about 10 seconds. Also, there is a loud whining noise from the steering block and under the hood when this occurs. The noises sounds like the power steering belts are slipping due to being soaked with water. This is my wife's vehicle, we have two kids. This vehicle is driven in the state of fl with heavy, and frequent storms. This is very troublesome and scary and I am concerned this loss of steering will lead to a crash.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #26

Jan 262012

Outlook

  • miles
I had just turned a corner and it felt like my vehicle lost power. I pushed on the gas pedal and it accelerated as normal. But then I realized my steering wheel wouldn't turn. With traffic coming at me I barely made it to another street and could just turn it enough to get to the side of the street. I was puttin my whole body weight into it. It was not raining and conditions were normal outside. $300 later my steering system was fixed. Thank goodness traffic wasn't heavier that day.

- Bismarck, ND, USA

problem #25

Feb 182010

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 25,644 miles
We bought the car Jan 8 of 2010 and was still under full warranty- after the first month I brought into Saturn and told them of all issues. They said they got it all fixed in June of 2010 brought it in again for basically same issues and they said they fixed everything again and were also closing down that day so were hurrying me out the door. After that had same issues (especially steering wheel and engine problems, oil leaks, along with electrical problems) and we were directed to go Chevy since Saturn was gone. Expressed to them same issues with steering wheel etc. They also fixed a recall on the electrical system. And fixed power steering pump that was broke two months later had same issues with steering and engine and airbag sensor and brought it again and they also fixed another recall, in the headlamp. (we have all documents) now the whole transmission is out and oil leaks again so since it still under power train they are fixing them but GM will not approve them to fix the steering column that needs to be replace nor the airbag sensor issue. We have called them everyday and sent them over all our paperwork the last two years showing that the steering column and airbag sensor have been an issue since before our full warranty was up. I just want my car to be safe and feel like I am in a death trap and still owe a lot of money on it. It is a total lemon and I am stuck with it these issues were from the start when the car was still under full warranty.

- Westminster, CO, USA

problem #24

May 122011

Outlook

  • 35,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. While driving approximately 20 mph, the contact heard a humming sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that the sound could be heard at any speed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostics. The technicians stated the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

- Temple Hills, MD, USA

problem #23

May 022011

Outlook

  • miles
2007 Saturn Outlook. Consumer states problem with steering the consumer stated while driving in the rain, he struck a small puddle of water in the middle of a main road. As he was making a turn, the steering wheel jolted out of his hands and the vehicle began to make a loud noise. The consumer drove into a ditch as he was unable to gain control of the vehicle until the last second; having to use all of his strength to keep from plowing fully into the ditch and rear embankment. After the incident, the consumer heard a whining noise coming from the steering column, which would cost $1000 to replace. The consumer stated the problem has not been resolved. Updated 09/15/11.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #22

May 032011

Outlook 6-cyl

  • 63,750 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Outlook. The contact stated while driving 10 mph and making a left turn, he drove through a puddle of water and immediately the power steering failed. The contact stated the steering wheel became very hard to turn and control. The dealer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 63,750. Updated 05/25/11 updated 08/04/11

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #21

Apr 222011

Outlook

  • miles
Driver was driving in the rain going approximately 35mph. As driver slowed down to make a right turn, the steering completely locked up and the car would not turn. Driver was able to drive into the grass without causing an accident. After sitting there a few minutes, driver was able to get car back on road and drive approximately 1 mile to a nearby relative's house. Had driver been going faster, it is alarming to think what could have happened.

- Mount Pleasant, SC, USA

problem #20

Jul 202009

Outlook

  • 56,000 miles
While attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel locked up for a few seconds. I had no control over the vehicle. This has happened several times and it has always been in wet, rainy weather. It appears that water is splashing on the belts which causes a temporary loss of steering. While researching the problem, I've come across several other owners who have had the same issue. GM has not offered a solution, since my dealership cannot 'replicate the problem' while the car is in service. If nothing is done about this design flaw, the result would be a serious crash and death.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #19

Oct 132010

Outlook

  • 66,000 miles
After less than a year old, the driver side headlight assembly on my 2007 Outlook needed to be replaced. The dealership did the necessary repairs under warranty. In July 2010, I had a headlight out on the passenger side. I brought my car back to the dealership accepting Saturn since Saturn had now closed. I was told that the "headlight harness" had melted. I paid a hefty fee to had that repaired. In October 2010, the same thing happened to the driver's side headlight harness. The dealership offered no suggestion on to how to keep this from re-occurring. Furthermore, I have had to have air "bled" from the "closed" power steering line 3 times. Also, the stabilitrac system will occasionally "turn itself off" causing the car to lose power on turns.

- Denham Springs, LA, USA

problem #18

Sep 242010

Outlook

  • 55,000 miles
I have experienced only issues all year with my 2007 Saturn Outlook. It has 55,000 miles and in June 2010 the wiring short circuited behind the steering wheel causing the theft security lock system to go into effect assuming the car was being hot-wired. It cost me over $300 to fix at the dealer and had to be towed. Then the dealer said my inside fuse box was completely corroded from water and they would need to fix the leak my sunroof was causing. The dealer has made 6 attempts to fix and I just picked up my car this morning, hopefully after the final attempt. Now my breaks are causing issues, the break pedal softens and goes down to almost the floor when pressed every 4th or 5th time and it is drinking brake fluid, I need to take it this weekend to check for a leak. Not to mention my power steering is making loud whining sounds every time that I move the steering wheel. Oh, and my passenger side low beam headlight has gone out a few times and my husband has had to access the back of it to replace it but it continues to go out. Oh, and my transmission caused problems two weeks ago and the dealer fixed it under my powertrain warranty.. 55,000 miles and this car is giving me issues as if I'm over 200,000 miles!

- Miramar, FL, USA

problem #17

Aug 182010

Outlook

  • 51,500 miles
1. was driving on I95 in Maryland. Speed about 65 mph. 2. loss of power steering (steering wheel locks up and you are unable to direct steering). Before August 18, 2010 the failure happened two other times but were at lower speeds. The last incident which happened on August 18, 2010 was on a highway and I almost side swiped a tractor trailer because I had no control over my vehicle for about a minute. I was lucky to avoid a serious accident to myself and others. 3. I put in a call to Saturn customer service. They made an appointment for me ad dudley martin Chevrolet in manassas, va to check the car out. After car was inspected I was told that when ever it rains, water gets onto steering belts which causes the loss of power steering. They advised having fender guards installed which is over $300 which I do not have. I asked Saturn/GM to add guards at my their cost since it was a safety issue. Saturn/GM told me that they agree it is a safety issue but they are not willing to pay to fix the car. I have seen other reports online of this problem and feel that there should be a recall before someone gets really hurt. I know it was a very scary situation for me.

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #16

Sep 012010

Outlook

  • miles
Power steering pump failure with only 60,000 miles on 2007 Saturn Outlook AWD. Loud noises when turning steering wheel and sometimes the wheel is almost unable to turn at all. Very unsafe and I do not trust enough to have my wife drive with our child in it. Read many complaints about this same thing and now I am forced to repair out of pocket.

- Howell, MI, USA

problem #15

Jun 302010

Outlook

  • 44,000 miles
Power steering locks up when water splashes onto fan belt on 2007 Saturn Outlook. Happens on wet roads. On incident date, vehicle would not maintain lane during right hand turn onto two lane road from a full stop. Vehicle ended up in on-coming traffic lane before steering returned. This after the new designed inner fender skirts were installed as the permanent "fix". new parts installed by dealer now servicing Saturn in augusta Georgia. Master mechanic said that this "fix" has only worked on 50% of his repairs. He checked out the repairs, stated they were installed correctly and that there is nothing else suggested at this time. This is a safety issue that GM must fully resolve. This is the fourth time this has happened, and the first since installation of new inner fender skirts installed in January 2010. Up until then there was no repair available. Now this repair does not fix the problem.

- Augusta, GA, USA

Read the next 14 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?